Every season I look forward to seeing what Charlie Stone Shoes release, as their glamorous flats are always as beautiful as they are practical. For this autumn/winter season their line is being proclaimed as their Dark Academia Era, an ode to that much loved aesthetic you’ve no doubt spotted all over social media the past couple years. According to Charlie Stone, this line is “inspired by the pull of old books, gothic chateaus, creaky staircases that wind along endless bookshelves and the promise of adventure between the pages of our favourite stories.” The novel The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde inspired these particular flats, named, of course, Dorian. Made in vegan leatherette, they’re heavily reminiscent of the iconic look of Oxford wingtip leather brogues, and they are just darling!

Shoes: Noisette Dorian flats by Charlie Stone Shoes (Bought with an influencer discount)
Skirt: Sage Sophie skirt previously gifted by Timeless London
Blouse: Andra blouse by Collectif
Bag: Cambridge backpack previously gifted by Ecosusi

The Dorian flats come in two colours, this tan shade, Noisette, and a dark brown, Dark Cocoa. I loved both colours so much that I dithered a lot about which to order, knowing I would be able to wear either shade with most of my autumn/winter wardrobe. In the end, I went with Noisette, (and to be honest, I’m still contemplating Dark Cocoa so much it may end up on my Christmas list.)

Closed toe and fully enclosed along the sides, these flats almost look like ballet pumps except for the ankle strap. The Oxford wingtip brogue inspiration is displayed amply via the punched hole design decorating the heel cap and the vamp in the recognisable ‘W’ that denotes a wingtip. There’s scallop edging along the top layer of that wingtip design on both the vamp and the heel, adding an extra layer of textured dimension to the design.

Two key aspects of Charlie Stone Shoes flats are present in the Dorian, of course—the hidden elevated heel and the quick release buckle. The latter does precisely what it says, moving the buckle of the ankle strap onto the strap itself, rather than affixed to the shoe, and replacing its function on the shoe with a hook. This allows you to secure the strap through the hole of your choosing, as usual, but you can do so while holding the shoe in your hands, then slide it on to your foot and slide that buckle behind the hook, anchoring the strap in place. As its name suggests, it does indeed save time, but more importantly it’s an easier system to navigate for those with flexibility or mobility issues.

The other key characteristic, the elevated heel, is the Charlie Stone signature design feature they makes their flats better than all other flats, as far as I’m concerned. A truly flat sole can often be uncomfortable for wearing for long periods of time, so these not-so flats boast a hidden internal heel of 2cm in addition to the external heel of 1cm, giving a slight lift through the heel easing out into the arch of the foot that feels more natural. The insoles are also gently cushioned, and in this particular style they sport the phrase “All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream” printed in gold, an Edgar Allan Poe quote.

Charlie Stone Shoes comes in EU sizes but they have their own additional grading system that concerns the width sizing of their designs. The Dorian flats are listed as grade 2, which is they list as being best suited for regular to wide width feet. I have slightly wide feet and my toes can hurt if cramped together too closely for too long, so despite knowing I’m a 40 I often size up into a 41 in Charlie Stone for comfort through the toes. In the Dorian I feel like the 41s fit me more snugly than my other CS 41s, creating a perfect fit. Saying that, I think your best bet for ensuring the right fit is always to contact Charlie Stone’s team for sizing advice if you feel unsure about whether their designs are for you, as they are, of course, the experts in that regard.

The Dorian flats are available in Dark Cocoa and Noisette in EU sizes 35-43. Charlie Stone Shoes ship worldwide, offering free shipping on orders over $100. 

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Disclaimer: The shoes featured in this review were bought with a discount code provided as part of an influencer program. The skirt and bag were both previously gifted to me by their respective companies in exchange for past reviews. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals. 

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area, practising strict social distancing measures in an effort to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.